Brad Schneider

Party: DemocratState: Illinois - 10th DistrictWhat you need to know: Experts believe that this is one of Democrats’ top opportunities to pick up a Republican-held seat.

Democrat - Challenger
Endorsed for U.S. House of Representatives by Council for a Livable World Candidate Fund

This June, the New York Times identified Illinois’ 10th Congressional District as the most Democratic district in the country currently represented by a Republican, putting the race between Rep. Bob Dold (R) and local businessman Brad Schneider (D) in the national spotlight. PeacePAC has endorsed Schneider because of his support for arms control and nuanced views on foreign and national security policy.

"As the international system continues to evolve from the bi-polar world of the last half-century to one of multiple influential powers, the U.S. must also continue to couple a strategic defense policy with diplomacy and development."

While Schneider has spent his career in the private sector, he has a lifelong interest in global issues that informs his progressive approach to foreign affairs:

“As a member of Congress I will support policies that preserve the United States’ positive influence and leadership in bilateral and multilateral relations with our allies, in addressing challenges with our adversaries, and in setting international policies in global forums. Our goal in foreign policy must always be to keep America safe today, as well as work to craft a sustainable, forward looking policy that can ensure our security and prosperity for years to come.

Such policy includes sensible defense spending that recognizes the changing realities of warfare and international relations. We can no longer rely on a Cold War mentality where foreign policy is a zero-sum game. Successful policy will combine the right balance of strong and soft power.

As the international system continues to evolve from the bi-polar world of the last half-century to one of multiple influential powers, the U.S. must also continue to couple a strategic defense policy with diplomacy and development. At the same time, we must focus on sustaining and enhancing our economic power, as stability at home will translate into continued influence and investment overseas.”

Dold, on the other hand, supports a U.S. role in the world based on military strength. He has criticized President Obama for setting a timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan and voted in favor of legislation limiting the President’s ability to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program. He has voted against funding for the United Nations. Last month Dold voted against an amendment to find savings in the federal budget by limiting Pentagon spending that received support from both Republicans and Democrats.

Dold is a freshman Member of Congress who won election by only 2% of the vote in 2010. Since that time the 10th Congressional District has been made even more Democratic. Experts believe that this is one of Democrats’ top opportunities to pick up a Republican-held seat.